Thought leader sessions

The Modern Utility NOC: Enabling Operational Intelligence Through Observability and AI

Presented by Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric and WWT

Utility Network Operations Centers (NOCs) are at an inflection point. As grid infrastructure becomes more distributed, software-defined, and data-rich, traditional dispatch-centric operating models focused primarily on alarm routing and manual escalation are no longer sufficient to support reliability, resiliency, and scale.

This presentation examines how utilities can strategically transition to holistically modernize their NOC capabilities across people, processes, and technology, aligning with a unified Monitoring and Observability platform vision. Rather than adding systems in isolation, utilities can seize this moment to build an integrated operating model that enables proactive first-tier troubleshooting, unified data correlation, and actionable insights. Recommendations will focus on establishing strategic starting points, capturing quick wins, and avoiding technology lock-in, while maintaining alignment to long-term modernization objectives. By embracing this integrated approach, utilities can build resilient, efficient, and future-ready NOCs that enable the next generation of grid operations.

IT/OT Convergence- Operating model and workforce implications of grid digitization, cybersecurity and AI

Presented by Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Salt River Project and WWT

This panel brings together technology and operations leaders to explore how IT/OT convergence and artificial intelligence are reshaping the modern electric utility. Speakers will examine the rapid shift of convergence in the OT environment and the implications these changes have on reliability, cybersecurity, and customer expectations. 

The discussion will also address workforce evolution, including new skill sets, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and change-management strategies needed to support digital operations. Panelists will share practical insights on emerging operating models that integrate AI, edge, and field technologies to drive resilience, efficiency, and innovation across the grid.